Reply #23: There is one GOOD way they could do this...

[jmowreader]

but since it's Wal-Mart we're talking about, they never would.

Wal-Mart has the most sophisticated computer system in all retail. It tracks every item in every Wal-Mart. One of the things it tracks is what Wal-Mart paid for an item. The computer could easily be set up to charge vendor cost, not shelf retail, on every item bought with Wal-Scrip with the exception of easily-resellable luxury goods and auto parts. (Without those exceptions, every mechanic in Mexico would employ an "inventory associate" whose job is to work at Wal-Mart stocking shelves so he can spend his whole paycheck on filters and lubricants.) The upside to Wal-Mart is they'd be able to "float" this money in very short-term investments, like American Express does with traveler's checks and every retailer in the world does with gift cards.

But since we are talking about the world's most evil retailer, you KNOW they're charging these guys full shelf price, and making money on the float anyway.